Tony Rebel fresh off a European tour with Queen Ifrica, took a moment out of his busy schedule to discuss Rebel Salute 2016 and his many other upcoming projects at his Flames Productions Studio location in Kingston, Jamaica. With final preparations underway for the 23rd edition of Rebel Salute coming up on January 15th - 16th, 2016, it will prove to be yet another exciting year for the festival, which is now in its 4th year on the north coast of Jamaica. In 2013, Rebel Salute moved from its previous location in St. Elizabeth to the more central location of Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in Priory ,St. Ann. This year the property has been revamped and will now feature a beach as well on the desirable waterfront location.

It’s more than an event, it’s a Lifestyle. Rebel Salute integrates the all new Herb Curb in this year’s festivities.

Tony Rebel is excited about Rebel Salute remaining innovative in its planning as he and his team are always looking for new offerings for the festival. Since good progress has been made in Jamaica with the recent decriminalization of marijuana, this year Rebel Salute will feature an all new Herb Curb in which the Government of Jamaica has recently granted an exemption to Rebel Salute to allow patrons to experience herb legally at the festival within agreed upon limits of the law. Tony further explained that with the exemption in place, “We can have herb available in all aspects. We want to have everything that is derived from herb; we want to have the original herb, we want to have people who understand the law to talk to people about it because I don’t think people are educated enough about the new law that is here with the decriminalization.” To address the educational aspect, a marijuana symposium and product exhibition will be included in the festival schedule.

Entertainment of course is a key factor at Rebel Salute. Tony acknowledges that it takes a team effort to keep the festival going strong in it’s 23rd year, stating “As a custodian of this wonderful event, I do everything in my power to make sure that it happens and I don’t want to take the credit alone because I have a wonderful team and I have wonderful people who wish us well and artists who understand the vision and fully participate all the time; it is a nice team effort that keeps it going and I’m happy for that.” This year is no exception and a diverse array of Jamaica’s finest Reggae talent is slated to perform on the festival. Friday’s schedule coincides with Tony Rebel’s Earthstrong and will feature top billing performances by Tony Rebel, Luciano, and Mykal Rose while Saturday’s headliners will include Beres Hammond, Queen Ifrica, and Mavado. Over fifty artists are scheduled to perform over the course of the two day festival, making this a not to miss event.

Hear more about Tony Rebel’s views on the progress of decriminalization of marijuana in Jamaica, the many benefits of hemp, his upcoming album and even a documentary and book plans slated for the near future in this full interview.

Tony Rebel discusses new features for Rebel Salute and upcoming album and book plans in the works

More information for Rebel Salute can be found on the official website, rebelsalutejamaica.com. Tickets for Rebel Salute are available online at yardticket.com and various locations throughout the island. The popular live stream broadcast is planned again for this year for those that can’t make it to the festival. And just a reminder, there is always next year to attend in person! Stay tuned for Reggae Reflection coverage of Rebel Salute 2016!